The Colombian city hosted the inaugural event, organised by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), with the organisation stating that viewership was strongest among the 41 countries and territories of the region.

It is claimed that the Games were also watched by thousands of people in Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, "truly making Cali 2021 a global event."

"To have millions of television and digital viewers, four new world records and more than 220 athletes qualified for Santiago 2023, it fills us with tremendous pride as an organisation," said Neven Ilic, PASO President.

"When we developed the concept of these Games, our primary goal was to open the door to thousands of young athletes to continue their sporting careers.

"Not only did we accomplish this mission, but we also demonstrated that the passion and enthusiasm of sports fans across the continent and the globe extends far beyond professional and Olympic sport."

PASO also benefitted from approximately eight million impressions across its social media accounts throughout the course of the Games in addition to more than 30 international broadcasters covering the event to audiences throughout the Americas.

Gold medallists from Cali directly qualified to the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago which is the governing body's flagship event.